Doug Leichner is in charge in the United Kingdom. The Torrington native and Holy Cross High grad was selected again to coach England's U-20 men's basketball team this July in the European championship.

Leichner, 44, the associate head coach at the University of Maine, led the young Brits to the European final in 2013, where they lost to Poland.

That was in Division B. Now, the England squad plays for a greater prize. The success of the 2013 team moved the program into Europe's top flight. Leichner leads the lads for the first time into Division A, the top tier of competition, which includes the big boys like France, Spain, Italy, Lithuania and host Greece. The tournament begins July 8 in Crete.

Leichner returns to the U.K. in June. England plays prelim tournaments in France and Spain, against competition like the American U-19 team, coached by Florida's Billy Donovan.

As if Leichner needed more drama, consider this: While he is in Europe, Leichner will most likely lose his job at Maine.

Just two weeks ago the Black Bears fired head coach Ted Woodward, a former UConn assistant. Leichner still has a job through June. He placed his name in consideration for the head coach position, but admits he is the longest of long shots. He also knows that a new Maine coach will likely hire his own staff.

As Leichner traipses across Europe with his U-20 Englishmen, he may be on an audition tour.

"I hope this will increase my profile," said Leichner by phone from his Bangor home. "No question, this is big. Last year, with the success I had with Great Britain, there were some job offers."

Leichner turned down the offers and returned to Maine. He has coached in Europe before, in Cork, Ireland, for the 2008-2009 season. He guided the UCC Demons to a 22-1-1 record and three cup championships.

Leichner enjoyed unprecedented success with the U.K. U-20s in 2013. It earned him another season with the team, which is unusual. Typically, a coach follows a team through the various stages of development. But the Brits see this Yank as the right man to lead the youth team into Division A competition.

"Last year's team paved the way for this group," Leichner said. The new U-20 roster has already been labeled the "golden group. They have always had success. They defeated Spain last year in international competition. Our success last year has kept this team in Division A.

"We had to convince last year's U-20 team that they were good. This year's group knows it is good. But, this is a different kind of challenge."

In Division B, the top international players are said to have NBA potential. Now, when England plays Greece in Group A, the team goes up against Giannis Antetokounmpo, who doesn't just have NBA potential. The 6-9 forward actually IS in the NBA, with Milwaukee.

Last summer, when England's kids defeated the traditional European powers, Leichner became a hot coaching commodity. A few more victories this summer and, hopefully, job offers will follow. In 2013, it was flattering. In 2014, it means work.

Leichner has loved being an associate head coach at Maine. He's ready for the step up.

"Being a head coach is the best thing," he said. "You are in control of your own destiny. Whether it is high school, college, or as a professional, you want to be the head coach. To have the final say. It is like taking the game's final shot. Some shy away. I embrace it."

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